Sudanese Ambassador Denounces UK's Sudan Resolution as Interference, Threat to Sovereignty

The UK-drafted UN Security Council resolution concerning the ongoing conflict in Sudan posed a blatant violation of Sudanese sovereignty and was an attempt to interfere in the North African country's internal affairs, according to Sudanese Ambassador to Moscow Mohammed Elghazali Sirrag.

"In fact, the British draft resolution […] clearly implies interference in Sudan's internal affairs, and it falsely claims that it is a draft resolution for the protection of civilians in Sudan," the ambassador said during a press conference at Rossiya Segodnya, Sputnik's parent company, on Friday in response to a relevant question from Sputnik Africa.

Ambassador Sirrag specifically highlighted the resolution's call for the opening of border crossings, arguing that this would lead to uncontrolled weapon transfers to the rebel paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid its ongoing conflict with the regular army.

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He emphasized that the Sudanese government is already actively distributing humanitarian aid through various channels, including airports and land routes, and receiving aid through neighboring countries, such as South Sudan.

"Therefore, we believe that the British draft resolution violates Sudanese sovereignty and does not provide any basis for stopping the war in Sudan. If this draft resolution is passed, it will be a heavy burden on the Sudanese government for an obvious international intervention in Sudan's internal affairs, which is not at all conducive to stopping the war," the diplomat stated.

Ambassador Sirrag argued that genuine efforts to protect civilians and distribute aid should begin with a ceasefire: "Most likely, if you want to protect civilians, if you want to set up an international mechanism to protect civilians and distribute humanitarian aid, it seems that the first thing to do is to start with a cease-fire."

Pro-Russian Rally in Port Sudan

Earlier this week, a pro-Russian rally in Port Sudan, Sudan's temporary capital, highlighted growing public support for Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The rally came in the wake of Russia's veto of the British-drafted resolution on Sudan.

"The Russian veto means a very appreciated support for Sudan and a very strong and very supportive stance for the Sudanese government and people at a time when a number of countries and organizations are vying against Sudan to blatantly interfere in its internal affairs," Ambassador Sirrag told Sputnik Africa, explaining the surge in pro-Russian sentiment in Sudan.

He stated that this action is seen as a crucial display of solidarity during a period of significant international pressure against the government and the people of Sudan.

"The Sudanese people feel that they have a friend, that someone is standing with them and that someone is supporting Sudan in these difficult circumstances, as it is said that a friend who stands in need is a true friend," the ambassador said.

Russian-African Relations

The ambassador characterized the veto not merely as support for Sudan, but as a broader stance against what he termed "conspiracies" against oppressed peoples, especially in Africa.

"The Russian veto is [...] not advocacy for Sudan and support only for Sudan, but support for all oppressed peoples who are facing many conspiracies from different countries," he stated.

Ambassador Sirrag highlighted Russia's growing influence in Africa, attributing it to a principled approach that respects national sovereignty and fosters mutually beneficial relationships.

He emphasized that Russia does not demand African nations sever ties with other countries, "whether in the West or elsewhere," to cultivate relations with Moscow.

"As long as there is a common will between Russia and an African country, it is conducive to establish relations and interests without exploiting these countries and their resources and without exploiting them to implement foreign political agendas in that country," the diplomat stated.